I'm finding conflicting information regarding regs on Mt. Washington. I'm planning on taking a small group up the Huntington Ravine Trail in late August, and ideally we'd camp in the backcountry on the way in and out.

But, I've found sources that say there's no camping in the Cutler river drainage at all, and sources that say it's only restricted above treeline. I also can't find any established camps in the area. Is it so over-used that BC camping is too high-impact, and is just banned?

I am not positive, but I do not think there are any legal camping spots on that route. If you haven't already, check out http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/. They definately know what they are talking about when it comes to the mountain and the area in general.

The only legal camping in the Cutler River drainage during the summer is at the Hermit Lake tent sites (there are also leantos). It's a bit of a backtrack from there to Huntington Ravine, but not too bad, plus you would most likely be going past there on your way out, since most people descent by either the Lions Head or Tuckerman Ravine trails, both of which pass right by the tent sites.

Pinkham Notch has various accommodations (but not camping) and I do not know how they would look upon car camping, but I suspect not very kindly. Let's just say if I were to do it, that wouldn't be my top choice.

There is a quite large campground (Dolly Coop) about 10 miles north on Route 16, and there are also some backcountry camping options in the Great Gulf Wilderness to the north and the Dry River Wilderness to the south of Mt. Washington.

Or you can check the pages here on Summitpost; the Mt Washington page, the Presidential Range page, and the White Mountain page all have links to the official rules.

(edit: oops, the link on the Mt Washington page is 404.)

Short version (not valid in winter): No camping above treeline *nor* in the Cutler River drainage; except at established sites in Tuckerman ravine (which isn't far out of your way, but may be crowded). Tons of roadside camping options in the area, check Presi Range or White Mountain pages here on SP for suggestions and links.

just camp at hermit lake. I camp there frequently in the winter and climb in huntington and tuckerman ravines. Its a short nice hike to huntington from hermit lake and a good warm up. Its by no means BC as there is a water pump and and toilet, but its still fun. Some lean-to's have doors others are open. Either way you typically wont need a tent so one less thing to carry up. have fun

cms829 wrote:just camp at hermit lake. I camp there frequently in the winter and climb in huntington and tuckerman ravines. Its a short nice hike to huntington from hermit lake and a good warm up. Its by no means BC as there is a water pump and and toilet, but its still fun. Some lean-to's have doors others are open. Either way you typically wont need a tent so one less thing to carry up. have fun

I think these are the ones I call the "chicken coops". There's four of them with space for 20 people each on the floor. You should always travel with earplugs and here they might be a real plus, though after hiking this mountain you could probably sleep through a wild party. You'll meet a grab bag of people there, which is probably the coolest thing about it. If you're on that mountain because you don't want to see anyone, you might want to consider other mountains. I keep telling myself I'd like to sleep at Lake of the Clouds. That's the one they always feature in the AMC mag.

All the huts will be closed by september 6 so lake of the crowds will not be open most huts close labor day. Not sure if hermit lakes is open but if you make your spot late in the day you can get away with camping just make your way off the trail